Step 1: We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies-that our life had become unmanageable.

January 31, 2007

Scripture reading for today: Exodus 14 – 15

When my husband and I were first married we had one car. It was a Plymouth Valiant – what a car! It had a few…issues. It wasn’t air conditioned, and the heat worked sporadically at best (usually only when the engine over heated). When you hit the brakes, you had to remember to jerk the wheel to the right or you’d end up in on-coming traffic. There was a nifty hole in the floorboard, which made for a nice view of the road beneath your feet. What a wreck! But it got us from point A to B, and we were grateful.

Times have changed, and with almost 30 years of marriage behind us, our cars have improved with age. In fact, when I have to drive the car that doesn’t have the heated seat feature, I feel slightly annoyed. No one likes to ride in the car that has the CD changer under the front seat. We prefer the vehicle that has the dashboard model.

Our brains adapt to the situation around us, and that becomes our “normal.” If you asked me to go back to the days of driving a Valiant, I’d hate it…for awhile. Then I’d get used to it. It’s the transition that would be difficult.

That’s how it was for the Israelites. Suffering in Egypt, anything seemed like a blessing. But it wasn’t long before – “…the people complained and turned against Moses.” (15:24)

I wonder if the transition stage from trying to be God (in control) to becoming imitators of God (willing to dance with Him and do his will) is what’s tripping us up with the first step.

Transitions are tough. Your brain is in the business of asking you to keep things “normal” – whatever that means for you today. How good is your “good enough”? Take some time today to reflect on the things in your life that you accept as normal. Ask yourself: Is this the abundant life?

Thought for today:

We were created for an abundant life. We were destined to be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with God in the next life. That’s our destiny. But if we choose to create our own little world of “normal” without regard to God’s intentions for us – we may miss out on the abundant life He has for us.

Thought for tomorrow:

God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is;
not as I would have it;
trusting that you will make all things right
if I surrender to your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen
Reinhold Niebuhr  

January 31, 2007
Teresa McBean

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